The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) is a military award that recognizes service members who have participated in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, or other military operations that do not qualify for a campaign medal. The AFSM is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have served in a designated military operation, such as a peacekeeping mission or a humanitarian operation, and have met the eligibility criteria established by the Department of Defense.
The AFSM was established in 1996, and it is considered a non-combat medal, meaning that it is not awarded for combat service. The medal is awarded to service members who have served in a variety of military operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, and other non-combat operations. The AFSM is also awarded to service members who have served in a supporting role, such as providing logistical or administrative support, to a military operation that qualifies for the medal.
Key Points
- The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) recognizes service members who have participated in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, or other military operations that do not qualify for a campaign medal.
- The AFSM is awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces who have served in a designated military operation and have met the eligibility criteria established by the Department of Defense.
- The medal is considered a non-combat medal, meaning that it is not awarded for combat service.
- The AFSM is also awarded to service members who have served in a supporting role, such as providing logistical or administrative support, to a military operation that qualifies for the medal.
- The eligibility criteria for the AFSM include serving in a designated military operation for a specified period of time, typically 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the AFSM include serving in a designated military operation for a specified period of time, typically 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The operation must be designated by the Secretary of Defense as a qualifying operation for the AFSM. The service member must have served in a role that supported the military operation, such as providing security, logistics, or administrative support.
The AFSM is also awarded to service members who have served in a humanitarian operation, such as a disaster relief mission or a humanitarian assistance mission. The operation must be authorized by the Secretary of Defense, and the service member must have served in a role that supported the humanitarian operation.
Designated Military Operations
The AFSM is awarded for service in a variety of military operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, and other non-combat operations. Some examples of designated military operations that qualify for the AFSM include:
- Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)
- Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)
- Operation New Dawn (OND)
- Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR)
- Operation Resolute Support (ORS)
These operations are designated by the Secretary of Defense as qualifying operations for the AFSM. The service member must have served in a role that supported the military operation, such as providing security, logistics, or administrative support.
| Operation | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) | 2001-2014 | Afghanistan |
| Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) | 2003-2011 | Iraq |
| Operation New Dawn (OND) | 2010-2011 | Iraq |
| Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) | 2014-present | Iraq and Syria |
| Operation Resolute Support (ORS) | 2015-present | Afghanistan |
Award Criteria
The award criteria for the AFSM include serving in a designated military operation for a specified period of time, typically 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The service member must have served in a role that supported the military operation, such as providing security, logistics, or administrative support.
The AFSM is also awarded to service members who have served in a humanitarian operation, such as a disaster relief mission or a humanitarian assistance mission. The operation must be authorized by the Secretary of Defense, and the service member must have served in a role that supported the humanitarian operation.
Service Members Eligible
The AFSM is awarded to service members who have served in the United States Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The medal is also awarded to service members who have served in the Reserve components, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve.
The AFSM is awarded to service members who have served in a variety of roles, including combat, combat support, and combat service support. The medal is also awarded to service members who have served in a supporting role, such as providing logistical or administrative support, to a military operation that qualifies for the medal.
What is the Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM)?
+The AFSM is a military award that recognizes service members who have participated in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, or other military operations that do not qualify for a campaign medal.
How do I qualify for the AFSM?
+To qualify for the AFSM, you must have served in a designated military operation for a specified period of time, typically 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days. The operation must be designated by the Secretary of Defense as a qualifying operation for the AFSM.
What types of operations qualify for the AFSM?
+The AFSM is awarded for service in a variety of military operations, including peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, and other non-combat operations. Some examples of designated military operations that qualify for the AFSM include Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR).
Meta Description: The Armed Forces Service Medal (AFSM) recognizes service members who have participated in peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, or other military operations that do not qualify for a campaign medal. Learn more about the AFSM, including eligibility criteria and designated military operations.
